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Questions about comfort, fainting or pregnancy do not need to wait until after a session. Raising them early makes acupuncture easier to approach and to plan.

No question needs to wait

Can I ask to stop part way through? What happens if I feel light-headed? Does my period or pregnancy change anything? Questions like these are common, and you do not need to save them until treatment is over. Anything that affects your comfort or your decision belongs at the start of the conversation.

Bringing a short list

Before seeing Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, at the Freshwater clinic, jot down a few questions. You might include:

• Can I ask for a needle to be removed or the session to stop?
• What should I do if I feel faint, hot or nauseous?
• How might menstruation, pregnancy or trying to conceive affect the plan?
• How will treatment frequency be decided?
• What sensations are normal, and which should I report?

Christine has undertaken further study in pregnancy and IVF support, so questions in this area are welcome. If you are pregnant, keeping your midwife, GP or obstetrician informed is also sensible.

Updating since your last visit

If you have been before, mention anything that has changed: new medicines, a recent illness, a procedure or a shift in your symptoms. These details can influence what is suitable this time.

Frequency is a conversation

Rather than assuming a fixed schedule applies to everyone, ask how often sessions are suggested for you and why. Your circumstances, budget and response all play a part.

Clarifying your goal

Questions about the destination are as useful as questions about the session. Ask what a realistic marker of change could be for your situation, how often the plan will be revisited and what signs would suggest a different approach or a referral to someone else.

Making the most of your time

Keeping your list on your phone means it is easy to add questions as they occur to you between visits. Reading it aloud at the start of your Freshwater appointment ensures nothing important gets lost once the session begins.